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Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge - Dungeness Spit — Sunday, Jul. 26, 2020

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
Lookout point before descending down to shore

We hadn't planned on hiking this trail on this day (had another trail planned) but it turned out to be a really nice change of scenery from all the forest hiking we've been doing. So with full packs and hiking boots we hiked along the shore to the lighthouse and back.

The packed sand made it easy for a leisurely hike along the shore, and with all the washed up kelp, you couldn't help but think you were walking among dead aliens (can I say that here?). There is a lot of especially cool pieces of large driftwood that sparks imagination and creativity. For example, I spotted on that looked like a shark when you looked straight at it, but as you walked past it and looked at it from the side, it then looked like a whale. So it's a great way to just let your imagination run wild.

We reached the lighthouse around 10:30 or so, took our boots and socks off, and let our feet breathe a little and enjoy the grass under them, and ate our lunches. The lighthouse is currently closed due to Covid, as is the public restroom. However, you can still use the picnic tables to enjoy your lunch or snack, and relax a bit before heading back. 

We started around 0830 and by the time we returned, approximately 12:30 or so, the beach was packed with beach-goers. Needless to say we were ever so grateful we got an early start. The parking lots were full and cars just kept on coming in. So if you plan on doing this hike along the shore, your best bet is to hit it early to avoid the crowds. Besides, the light is much better for photography.

Happy Hiking! 

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